Clara Strack Shines as Kentucky Dominates Tennessee in Record-Breaking Win
The Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball team delivered their most commanding victory of the season on Thursday night, dismantling Tennessee in a statement performance. Leading the charge was sophomore center Clara Strack, whose all-around dominance played a pivotal role in the Wildcats’ triumph.
Defensive Dominance: Strack Sets Kentucky’s Single-Season Block Record
Strack has been a force on defense all season, particularly as a shot-blocking specialist. Against the Volunteers, she swatted three shots, bringing her season total to 67 blocks—breaking the Kentucky single-season record previously set by Victoria Dunlap (66 blocks, 2009-10). Dunlap’s historic campaign saw her earn SEC Player of the Year honors and an All-American selection, and now, Strack is following in those same legendary footsteps.
This isn’t her first time making history. On February 10, she recorded eight blocks against Ole Miss, surpassing the single-game school record held by DeNesha Stallworth (2013).
Strack’s defensive prowess has also fueled Kentucky’s team record for blocks in a season. With her two blocks against Tennessee, the Wildcats reached 182 total blocks, surpassing the 181 recorded by the 2012-13 team. Kentucky now ranks second in the nation in blocks per game, averaging seven per contest.
A Record-Breaking Night on Offense
Strack’s dominance wasn’t limited to defense—she was unstoppable on the offensive end as well. She delivered a perfect 11-for-11 shooting performance, setting a new Kentucky record for single-game field goal percentage (minimum 10 attempts). She finished with a team-high 23 points and a game-best 15 rebounds, further solidifying her reputation as one of the conference’s top players.
The Transfer That Changed Everything
Strack’s journey to Kentucky has been transformative. After spending her freshman season at Virginia Tech—where she played behind All-American Elizabeth Kitley—she transferred to Kentucky, following Head Coach Kenny Brooks, along with three other players.
Since arriving, Strack has thrived. She’s averaging 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game. She has double-digit points in 22 of 27 games, recorded 14 double-doubles, and posted eight 20+ point performances. Her 2.5 blocks per game lead the SEC and rank seventh nationally, while her 9.3 rebounds per game place her fourth in the conference.
One of the Nation’s Elite
Strack’s impact extends well beyond defense. She is one of just six NCAA players this season averaging at least 14 points and 2.5 blocks per game, and she leads that group in assists. Even more impressively, she is the only underclassman among them.
Her remarkable sophomore season has earned her a spot as one of 10 finalists for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award, making her one of just two sophomores on the list.
Strack’s versatility sets her apart—she remains the only NCAA Division I women’s player this season to record a game with at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, eight blocks, five steals, and three three-pointers made.
Strack’s Impact on Kentucky’s Postseason Aspirations
Strack’s transformation into a dominant two-way star is nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman at Virginia Tech, she saw limited action, averaging just 4.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 13.8 minutes per game. Now, at Kentucky, she has more than doubled her playing time (30.8 minutes per game) and established herself as a key leader for the Wildcats.
With the postseason approaching, Strack’s presence in the paint and her all-around brilliance will be crucial for Kentucky’s tournament hopes. As she continues rewriting the record books, she is already cementing her place among the program’s all-time greats.
